Fireworks may be purchased in Eddy County through July 6

Roxanne Hamilton and Erica Phillips man Amy's Firework on Lea Street and Standpipe Road in Carlsbad, N.M. on July 3, 2017. The two women said annual sales of fireworks typically pick up on July 4.(Photo11: Current-Argus File Photo)Buy Photo

Eddy County residents may purchase fireworks from stands outside Carlsbad city limits starting today through July 6.

While the City of Carlsbad has its own regulations in regards to the type of fireworks residents can purchase, Eddy County officials said the county follows protocol implemented by the state, meaning the county would ban fireworks if the state prohibits them.

The city's website contains a list of permissible fireworks. According to the city's fireworks ordinance, only seven types of fireworks are permissible within city limits, whereas the state allows more than 20.

“We want everybody to be safe and enjoy the holidays. I don't want to have to take that right away from everyone.”

Josh Mack, fire director with Eddy County Fire Service

This year, the county will not ban fireworks, said Josh Mack, fire director with the Eddy County Fire Service, although he has heard concerns about the issue.

Mack said although the county and the state have experienced drought, firefighters have not seen a high volume of fires due to fireworks.

"I felt like we could be more proactive, getting out in the community and talking with people," he said. "We want everybody to be safe and enjoy the holidays. I don't want to have to take that right away from everyone.

"I understand we're dry, but as long as we're all responsible in what we do with our actions, we can have a fun holiday."

A majority of fires during the holiday season are not the result of fireworks, Mack said. Most occur along the highway and involve someone throwing a cigarette butt in vegetation, chains from vehicles being dragged on the road or failure to manage a controlled burn on personal property.

'Call before it gets big and you can't control it'

Under state statute, the county may choose to hold a public hearing about implementing a specific regulation. However, Eddy County to date had not scheduled such a hearing.

The county does encourage everyone to be cautious when handling fireworks at home.

Mack recommend that residents have a bucket of water nearby to place any used fireworks in, a 10 to 20 foot buffer from structures and people, ensure the yard is clean of debris and weeds, and step away from a firework if it failed to discharge.

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Fireworks have not been banned in Eddy County, which follows State of New Mexico guidelines on use and ignition of fireworks.(Photo11: Current-Argus File Photo)

Mack encourages anyone to call 911 if a fire does start from a firework.

"We want you to call right then. You need to call before it gets big and you can't control it," he said.

For residents of Queen, Mack said they must follow regulations implemented by the U.S. Forest Service because it is part of Lincoln National Forest's Guadalupe Ranger District.

Anyone with questions may call the Eddy County Fire Service at 575-628-5450 or the Regional Emergency Dispatch Authority at 575-616-7155 for a non-emergency.

For those residents and visitors to the area who don't wish to hold their own firework display, the city has an option available.

Families can celebrate Independence Day with food and music followed by a fireworks show presented by the Carlsbad Fire Department July 4. The event is free to the public and is visible from the Lake Carlsbad Recreation area.

Mack said on the holiday during the annual show, the county's first responders will assist the city fire department with emergencies.

DeJanay Booth can be reached at 575-628-5546, dbooth@currentargus.com and @DeJanayBooth on Twitter.